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If you think war is glamorous think again
I was originally shown this film in 1981 when I joined the Army as a 16 year old. The reason was to shock raw recruits and harden them to the realities of war. A few months later the Falklands War occurred and several of the images coming back from the South Atlantic were not dissimilar.
I would imagine from the context of the film that this was a poor attempt at trying to convince soldiers going to Vietnam that quality medical aid was only a short helicopters ride away and even the most gruesome injuries could be fixed. Army Medicine in Vietnam also deals with hygiene in Vietnam and some of the more unpleasant conditions, trench foot and leprosy.
The film was shot in the middle of a war zone, Vietnam, which was the first 'televised' war and as such the quality of the film is poor. The content, however, is very graphic and gruesome, I remember when I first saw this our NCOs would not let us leave the theatre and afterwards most of the troop were white as sheets. The commentary on the other hand is very 'gung ho', the most horrific of injuries can be fixed in a short time and the soldier will be 'good as new and back in action in no time'.
I have just watched this film for the first time in 20 years and the memories of the film are just as I remembered them. It left a lasting impression which has stayed with me. So much so, that I have trawled the internet for a few months to find a copy.
Only watch this if you have a strong constitution and are not easily upset. This film still has me putting my hands over my eyes for some parts and staring at other bits in avid fascination.
I would imagine from the context of the film that this was a poor attempt at trying to convince soldiers going to Vietnam that quality medical aid was only a short helicopters ride away and even the most gruesome injuries could be fixed. Army Medicine in Vietnam also deals with hygiene in Vietnam and some of the more unpleasant conditions, trench foot and leprosy.
The film was shot in the middle of a war zone, Vietnam, which was the first 'televised' war and as such the quality of the film is poor. The content, however, is very graphic and gruesome, I remember when I first saw this our NCOs would not let us leave the theatre and afterwards most of the troop were white as sheets. The commentary on the other hand is very 'gung ho', the most horrific of injuries can be fixed in a short time and the soldier will be 'good as new and back in action in no time'.
I have just watched this film for the first time in 20 years and the memories of the film are just as I remembered them. It left a lasting impression which has stayed with me. So much so, that I have trawled the internet for a few months to find a copy.
Only watch this if you have a strong constitution and are not easily upset. This film still has me putting my hands over my eyes for some parts and staring at other bits in avid fascination.
helpful•50
- Michael-887
- Jul 20, 2004
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- Runtime29 minutes
- Color
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